Tag: New Mexico Studios

TMZ OHI has obtained a copy of the letter drafted straight from the top of New Mexico State Government, inviting film and television productions to bring their projects here.

Being the fount of useless opinion that I am, I have to interject that film like enchiladas, New Mexico simply does better, and supplemental to this letter, maybe a NM goods gift bag, and demo reel would better serve this campaign.

But I defer to more intelligent, actual journalists who have pointed out here that most importantly omitted from this letter is an explanation or breakdown of the new, “bewildering” film incentive rebate structure (maybe it’s in an attachment).

Perhaps better than any paper attachment, armed with the letter NM’s Own Film Office Director, Nick Maniatis did recently trek to Los Angeles to meet with top film and television studio execs (next time also take chile).

We are assured that YOUR New Mexico Film Office Director and his team, under New Mexico’s Economic Development Department, are working for you in capably and fully representing the state’s best interests to bring film jobs and revenue home. Here in a clip from the NM Film Works radio program are Maniatis and NM Filmmakers Program Director, Trish Lopez explaining in detail the changes to the New Mexico Film Incentive Program.

With other states (NC, LA, TX, UT, GA) clamoring for and hammering out deals to the North, South, left and right of us, we better have barrels loaded and be at the ready to bring it full board to ensure we back our leadership in achieving “ongoing success” in New Mexico Film.

As evidenced by continual coverage in the national and international media, the world is watching New Mexico as a strong presence and contender in film production.

Pictured and transcribed here for all the world to see is the Governor’s letter to “Hollywood”. Below see the recent story featured in industry “bible”, Variety on top New Mexico studios.

The three-point punch here is that leadership is backing the industry, our top state film representative has put out the open call and YOU (statewide studios, talent, crews, youth & workforce training, local businesses, et al) are poised to put an everlasting shine on New Mexico Film. Get into it!

Dear Production Executives,

New Mexico like many states has been tasked with bringing certainty and predictability to its budgetary process under difficult economic time. New Mexico’s film incentive program was recently re- with great effort to maintain its success while balancing the needs of our state. I am happy with the compromise made during this past legislative session and I support the continued growth of the industry and the creation of more job opportunities for New Mexicans.

We continue to offer one of the most competitive industry incentive packages in the United States.In addition to the film incentives our job training program and low interest film loans are available for productions shooting in our state.

Our exceptional and experienced crew base is the largest between coasts. New Mexico currently has five studios containing 14 sound stages and over 200 film-related businesses including post production facilities. Direct flights from Santa Fe and Albuquerque to Los Angeles are just another convenience for studio productions.

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, New Mexico [insures] some of the most [awe]-inspiring and diverse landscapes in the world. We have a film-friendly community [network] throughout the state and a dedicated film office whose staff will assist your production through its [entirety].

This industry is a very important sector of our state and I am committed to its ongoing success. I look forward to working together in bringing your next production to New Mexico.

Santa Fe Studios
Built by producers for producers. That’s how CEO Lance Hool describes the [now] completed Santa Fe Studios. Two 18,000-square-foot adjoining soundstages are the principal elements of phase one of the project that also includes 26,000 square-foot of adjacent office and support space. Located on a 65-acre campus 15 minutes from central Santa Fe, the facilities boast state-of-the-art specs.

Tech highlights include 40-foot ceilings and acoustic design by Bastien and Associates Architecture, which lists Manhattan Beach Studios and Los Angeles Center Studios are among its credits. Hool expects Santa Fe Studios to open in the fall; negotiations are ongoing for the inaugural pic, as well as a camera house and grip and electric tenants.

Since Santa Fe Studios’ inception five years ago, much has improved in the area, says Hool: the local crew base has expanded significantly, and daily flights are available directly into Santa Fe from Los Angeles. Shuttling of above-the-line talent is kept to a minimum as most opt for digs in Santa Fe.

Other notable features: Pueblo-style architecture that echoes Santa Fe’s Native American heritage as well as eco-efforts, including a water catchment system and native plant/drought tolerant landscaping.

Albuquerque Studios
A stone’s throw from the airport, Albuquerque Studios is the state’s major purpose-built facility with eight full-service soundstages; the largest four are 24,000 square-foot each with heights up to 55 feet. Adjacent stages can be combined for more space as needed. A one-stop shop offering everything from grip and lighting to production trailer rentals to camera packages, the facility currently houses “The Avengers” and “Breaking Bad.”

Garson Studios
Located on the Santa Fe U. of Art and Design’s campus, Garson Studios (founded by thesp Greer Garson) recently made major upgrades including new HVAC. Stage A is 14,000 square-foot with a permanent greenscreen cyc. Smaller Stage B (7,500 sq. ft.) is used for both production and prep. Production office space is adjacent. More than 30 films in 20 years have used facility, most recently “Bless Me, Ultima,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Paul.”

I-25 Studios
A former microchip processing plant, I-25 Studios consists of 505,000 sq. ft. on 60 acres. The largest soundstage is 29,000 square-foot with a 21-foot height. Utilized as home base for USA’s “In Plain Sight” for four seasons, the location has since hosted an unnamed TNT pilot, “Breaking Bad” and a Dolce & Gabbana spot featuring Scarlett Johansson. In October, three new soundstages and additional base camp space will double production capacity.